Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response

Epidemic and pandemic-prone diseases threaten public health security. These include diseases such as cholera, meningitis, avian influenza, and viral haemorrhagic fevers for which the region reports considerably high incidence and mortality rates. They can be responsible for high levels of disease and death and have a devastating impact on the economies of the Region.

As of 2 June 2016, a total of 1 947 567 people have been vaccinated against Yellow Fever in the provinces of Kinshasa and Kongo Central. The vaccination campaign began on 26 May 2016.

Many people have rushed to get vaccinated including many people from districts that were not targetted for vaccination. This is good news because it means people understand the importance of vaccination. However, despite concerted efforts by WHO and partners and manufacturers, global vaccine stocks remain low.